The number of registered sex offenders in Leicestershire has risen over the last year, latest figures show.

Some 836 people are now on the register, compared to 805 in 2014/15, according to the Ministry of Justice.

There are 90 registered sex offenders per 100,000 of the Leicestershire population – up from 88 in 2014/15.

Nationally there has been an increase of 6.7% on last year (up from 49,466) and an increase of nearly three quarters over the last 10 years (for 2006/7 there were 30,416 registered sex offenders).

Campaigners say the trend could reflect a rise in reporting of sexual offences, as well as a shift in police attitudes towards taking victims more seriously,

But children’s charity NSPCC says the prevalence of sex crimes is “troubling”.

A spokesman said: “It’s good that more of these individuals are being put on the list of registered sex offenders but it’s worrying that this is such a prolific problem, as many of these offenders will be paedophiles.

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“In just 10 years, the number of registered sex offenders has risen by 73% and these latest figures mean that nearly one in every 1,000 people in England and Wales is on the register.

“A trend towards more survivors of sex abuse being willing to come forward is encouraging. But there is no room for complacency and it is important to report signs of sexual abuse when they occur.”

Children who are worried about sexual abuse can contact Childline on 0800 1111, and adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000, by texting 88858 or visiting www.nspcc.org.uk